[2026] Graduation Songs That Move People in Their 20s

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

This is a track that could be called the very origin of Road of Major, a rock band formed from a TV show concept! Released in September 2002 as their indie debut single, it set a remarkable record by entering the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks despite having no tie-in.

It has continued to be loved over the years, later even being used in a car commercial in Taiwan.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound and lyrics that depict an unshakable bond with irreplaceable friends, it’s a song that makes your heart burn every time you hear it.

Also included on the classic album “ROAD OF MAJOR,” this track is perfect for throwing your arms around your friends at karaoke and singing together as you each set off on different paths after graduation.

Its melody, where overflowing passion coexists with a touch of bittersweetness, vividly brings back the shining memories of youth.

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

Sakura, Bloom!arashi

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As a powerful cheer song that gives you a strong push forward, this Arashi track has become a spring classic.

Released as a single in March 2005, it was also beloved as the CM song for Jonan Prep School featuring Sho Sakurai, and many people found encouragement from it at the time.

Its up-tempo, exhilarating sound and positive rap that feels like charging toward the future are striking—just listening to it fills you with courage.

Rather than a tearful farewell, it’s perfect for a graduation scene where everyone runs toward their dreams with a smile.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album “One,” and it has the power to blow away your anxieties.

If you sing it arm-in-arm with friends while cherishing your memories, or listen to it as a pep talk for yourself heading down a new path, you’re sure to take a hopeful first step!

Bye, my friendbokula.

bokula. – By My Friend - [Official Music Video]

When it comes to songs that depict straightforward affection for friends and the preciousness of everyday life, “By My Friend” comes to mind.

Set to an energetic band performance, it expresses the shifting emotions of youth with unflinching honesty.

Vocalist Ei uses down-to-earth words to remind us that all the time spent together becomes cherished memories.

The Hiroshima-born rock band bokula.

included the track on their mini-album “Seikatsu ni, Yorisoi.” released in May 2022.

The song has been beloved by many fans, inspiring sing-alongs with the audience at live shows.

It’s a rock number overflowing with gratitude that words alone can’t fully convey.

It’s perfect for everyone to sing together at karaoke after a graduation ceremony, or to use in a montage of memorable photos as a gift for friends.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Do you remember a classroom in graduation season, a schoolyard with cherry blossoms dancing in the air, and the memory of not being able to confess your feelings to the one you liked? This song by Takaya Kawasaki is a ballad that delicately portrays such timid love.

Swallowing the words “I like you,” which had grown over three years, and only watching from afar, the song likens that self to a timid rabbit.

His husky, warm voice vividly brings those bittersweet scenes back to life.

Released digitally in January 2021, the track was later included on the June 2023 album “Nukumori.” Published amid the attention surrounding his signature song “Mahou no Jutan,” it resonated deeply with students facing the spring of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is a masterpiece that gently stays by the side of those who still keep unspoken words in their hearts.